Systematic Theology

Excellent resource for studious believers

Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology is probably the best organized, most accessible Systematic ever produced. Once you open the 1000-page volume, you will immediately see the quality organization and apparent ease of reading. This is probably it's greatest strength

Grudem comes from a reformed perspective, which is a good thing, and does a more than adequate job defending the tenets of reform theology from the text of Scripture.

Be aware that Grudem is charismatic and his position influences his representation of the spiritual gifts, etc. This may also be your position, but just be aware that he is less down-the-middle "conservative" on this issue.

All in all, highly recommended.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Found some of Grudem's teachings on Catholicism to not be accurate

One example for instance is on mortal sin. The TRUE Catholic teaching on mortal sin is that mortal sin injures the sinner's soul and can be forgiven by God if the sinner asks God for forgiveness, is truly repentant, makes a perfect act of contrition, and receives absolution from a Catholic priest. The Roman Catholic Church also teaches that there are three conditions for a sin to be a mortal sin. You can find all this information on pages 206-207 and 125 of "Catholicism for Dummies" by TRUE Catholic priests whose names are Rev. John Trigilio Jr. and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti. For true Catholic teaching go to www.ewtn.com. This is the Global Catholic Network. You can watch TV for free, ask questions, etc. You can also go to www.catholic-convert.com. This is Stephen Rays website (he was an Evangelical and converted to Catholicism). Find out why on his website.

Grudem misguides readers and students by teaching (look at his definition on page 1248) that in Roman Catholic tradition mortal sins can not be forgiven and that it causes spiritual death. Purgatory and the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary are other examples. Check everything he teaches on Catholicism so that you may know the truth and so that you can decide for yourself what you want to believe.

Grudem can believe whatever he wants to believe, but when he teaches about the Catholic Church, he should teach the truth, not misleading information. Perhaps he was accidentally misinformed.

2 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Excellent

This is it. This is the book that tells what Christians believe and why we believe. Each chapter thoroughly covers a doctrine by explaining the doctrine, giving scriptural reasons for the doctrine and also explaining doctrinal differences between Christian denominations.

Each chapter ends with study questions, a related hymn, and a piece of scripture for the reader to memorize if he has a mind to. This book is meant to be studied and not just read through so be prepared to spend a year or so doing it. If you want to know what your pastor, priest or minister knows, this book will tell you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Book

This is my first systematic theology book and it certainly has set the bar high for my expectations. It reads well, and the chapters are small enough to be read in one sitting without trying to carry over complex thoughts from one night to another.

I wish I could read this faster so I can move into some of the other works that Grudem references as well as additional works. Best part of this book is that it is so readily available and for a reasonable price. Most other Systematic Theology books are either out of print or cost in the range of $100-200.

Great buy and worth every moment to read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I wish I learned this much in seminary

This is a great resource on Systematic Theology 'ie: What does the Bible say about...?' This volume is masters level information in an easily readable format. I have lent it to friends who want to do in depth study of particular issues. If you are looking for an overview of what and why Christians believe what they do you will benefit by reading this book. It is a great resource for anyone's bookshelf.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of my Favorites

This book has been one of the most helpful books for my major in college (Christian Ministries) and for spiritual growth. It book is suitable from the common layman to the college professor. It book is so excellent that it is hard to find anything negative to say about it. This book covers the essential doctrines of the Christian faith to the current movement of the Holy Spirit.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The best systematic theology there has ever been

Wayne Grudem has written a comprehensive theology that is biblical and extremely clear and well written. I couldn't give it a higher recommendation.

Comprehensive

This is a book you study and not just read. I don't know if this book is the entire Bible doctrine but if it is not, its pretty darned close. Anyone who is serious about learning Bible doctrine needs this book. I have the hardbound copy but I don't see any reason wny the nookbook version would be any lesser of a read.

A Systematic Theologian that Writes with the Heart of a Pastor

An excellent example of a systematic theologian writing with the heart of a pastor. This work is good, but unusual. Dr. Grudem¿s theology is firmly rooted in the Reformation tradition, yet he holds a non-cessationist position (e.g. he believes in the on-going nature of the spiritual gifts). This is both uncommon and refreshing. His volume is written in an informal style that makes reading easy, even for the new-comer. Yet, he doesn¿t cut corners doctrinally. His section on the covenants (i.e. Redemption, Works, and Grace) was particularly helpful in clearing away some of the haziness present in some of the older systematics. At over 1200 pages you probably will not read through this in one evening, but it does make for a very useful resource.

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